Johannesburg - Banyana Banyana coach Vera Pauw is happy to have a full complement of players in camp as they step up preparations ahead of the international friendly against Zimbabwe at Dobsonville Stadium on Saturday.
Pauw has called up 31 players following the selection camp two weeks ago, as she looks to put together a strong squad for the CAF African Women’s Championships in Windhoek, Namibia in October.
United States-based defender Jermaine Seoposenwe and midfielder Kylie-Ann Louw will, however, not be part of the squad.
The coach has in their place brought in Letago Madiba, who plays for the Tshwane University of Technology Ladies side.
“These players will form the core base of the squad consisting about 25 players but for the match against Zimbabwe, I will have to trim the squad to 18 players,” Pauw said.
“I am going to give every player a fair chance and am expecting to see stiff competition. A combination of new and old faces should provide a positive vibe in the team set-up.”
Banyana will play a practice match against the School of Excellence Under-16 squad on Tuesday at Bedfordview FC training grounds.
“The encounter against the boys will provide me with a good assessment on areas which we need to work on,” the coach said.
“I have seen past footage of games against Zimbabwe Ä they are a good side and this would also be good preparation for the team that will play against Comoros in the African Women’s Championship qualifiers.
“We want to make huge steps in building the best possible squad for the Championships in October.”
Sapa